I am an optimist that was looking for an optimistic web site to learn more about this ulnar nerve issue. 8 weeks ago I underwent surgery on both my wrist and elbow to relieve the pressure on my ulnar nerve. Most of my symtoms revolve around hand problems. Weakness of my hand muscles and not being able to feel sensation in my little and ring finger. Since surgery my hand pain has increased and was hoping that the pain meant the nerve was healing and that after months I would get better. After reading the posts on this site, it is difficult to remain optimistic with such horror stories of little to no recovery. Hopefully someone out there has had good results with surgery and has an optimistic story to tell. Maybe I should wait several more months and share mine.

I had surgery about 9 weeks ago on my elbow. My initial problem was mainly hand pain. Not only is the pain the same, now I have pain in my arm and shoulder! Going for my next checkup in a week. Not really for sure what to expect. I had the same surgery on my left arm 2 years ago and did not experience these problems. My doctor warned me before this surgery that no 2 surgeries are the same and not to expect the same results. I realize this, but I did not expect to end up in MORE pain afterwards. Maybe it will improve with time. Will also post later.

Hey Guys,

Please don't get discouraged yet. Neither of you mention if you had a simple decompression or a transposition. Check out Surgery on the main menu of this site and click on recovery times. On average it takes 4-6 months for full recovery from a decompression and 6-12 months for a transposition. I had a lot of pain post-op from my last surgery about 4 months ago (right sub-muscular transpostion). I started on 300 mg of gabapentin (neurontin) three times a day and my neuro increased my dosage to 600 mg three times a day. I'm finally starting to get some relief. I'm about 10 months post left transposition and am happy to report that I am very pleased with my slow but steady progress. I am totally optimisitc that 3 or 4 months down the road I will be as pleased with the outcome of my right side.

Hang in there!

Chris